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Tapir | Local Game From Ecuador | TasteAtlas

Tapir

THIS SPECIES IS ENDANGERED AND THE HUNTING OF TAPIRS IS PROHIBITED. Tapir or danta is a wild animal that can measure between 2 and 2,5 meters. It is covered with short velvety bristles, but tapir is particularly recognizable by its upper lip that is formed as an elongated snout.


The snout helps it to sniff out and reach the vegetables on which it feeds. Tapir’s meat is rich in fat, but it is quite hard to digest. The smoked meat is used in stews, soups, or with maize porridge, while tapir’s offal is the most prized, along with tapir lard, which does not solidify.


In Ecuador, indigenous tribes consume it in various ways. The Shuar don’t particularly like it, the Zápara and Siona don’t eat it when sick, while the Waorani don’t eat it at all because they believe it represents human spirits which have been trapped in animal form.


Interestingly, the lard is often consumed by pregnant women during childbirth as it helps the baby come out quicker. Nowadays, tapirs are endangered due to overhunting, and commercial hunting of this unique animal is prohibited.